Scoliosis

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis occurs when the spine develops an abnormal lateral curvature, better described as a sideways curve. This makes it look more S- or C-shaped when viewed from the front or back, instead of the upright stack of a healthy spine. It’s usually observed and diagnosed in children or adolescents, but you also may not notice it until well into adulthood.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Without seeing your spine in an X-ray, how can you know if you have an abnormal curve? There are some tell-tale signs, including:

• One or both hips are unusually high
• Uneven shoulders
• The rib cages are at different heights
• Your entire body leans to one side
• An uneven waist
• Your head isn’t centered above your pelvis
• One or both shoulder blades stick out

Scoliosis can also cause the skin overlying your spine to change, often showing up as color abnormalities, hairy patches, or dimples.

How is scoliosis diagnosed and treated?

The Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team performs a thorough physical examination and may confirm scoliosis using an X-ray, CT scan, or radiograph.

Your provider considers various factors before creating a care plan, including whether your spine is still maturing, where the abnormal curve is located, and how severe it is. They also analyze how likely the curve is to progress.

Your treatment plan may include:

Observation

The team will take a “wait-and-see” approach for many children, monitoring their spinal curve at regular visits (often every 4-6 months). An X-ray every five years may be sufficient for adults, unless they experience worrisome symptoms.

Bracing

If scoliosis is diagnosed before a child reaches skeletal maturity, your provider may prescribe a brace to stop the spinal curve from progressing.

Surgery

If scoliosis in a child is severe, particularly if the spinal curve is over 40 degrees and progressing the Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team may recommend surgery. They may recommend surgery for adults if there’s a curve greater than 50 degrees with accompanying symptoms of nerve damage or incontinence. Some possible surgical treatments include:

• Spinal fusion, which uses metal rods to straighten and secure the vertebrae
• Vertebral body tethering, which uses cables to correct the spine while allowing some motion

If you notice the signs of scoliosis in yourself or your child, talk to the Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team about diagnosis and personalized treatment options. You can call the office or visit the orthopedic walk-in clinic today.